Hair Care

Back In Stock? Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Essence Absolue

I announced in November that Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s most successful launch to date, Essence Absolue, had sold out worldwide at salons only weeks after the product’s launch. This is an impressive feat in any economic climate, but is especially astounding when retail sales–while up slightly from 2008–were generally weak during Q4.

Sadly, this fabulous product generally sells out as quickly as stores can replenish it. This, of course, only piques the curiosity of product-addicted consumers like myself. I was thrilled when I received a sample of Essence Absolue, especially in light of the product’s scarcity and highly-coveted celeb-adored status.

Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is a magical elixir for those cursed with dry over-processed hair. Essence Absolue’s secret ingredient is Camellia Oil (commonly referred to as “liquid gold”), derived from the Camellia Japonica tree. The beauty of this hair care product is that it doubles as an extremely effective intensive pre-shampoo moisturizing treatment, or an after-styling protectant that shields the hair from sun damage and leaves it looking shiny.

I’m particularly fond of the product’s weightlessness, as some leave-in conditioners can leave hair feeling heavy, looking flat or even looking greasy! Essence Absolue has none of these horrible side-effects, and I love the instant gratification of applying one teeny-tiny pump to my hair post-styling, and ending up with shinier, more healthy-looking tresses instantly!

Retail price is $65 for a large, 5 fl oz pump bottle. I know the price is steep, but this bottle will likely last for quite a while. I’ve been using mine for about 2 weeks, and the bottle is only 10% empty (using ruler measurement to determine this). I’d estimate two bottles is all you’d need for an entire year of treatment and protection.

Join the wait list by clicking here, and you’ll be informed via email when Essence Absolue is back in stock. Good luck, readers!

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

H2Pro Flat Iron Review: The Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron

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I double-checked my order history to ensure I provided you with 100% accurate information. My last flat iron was ordered on July 4, 2006 (must have been a birthday present from me, to me). So naturally I jumped at the chance to test-drive the latest technology by H2Pro– The Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron.

Why did I find this particular flat iron so intriguing? I’m a busy full-time Mom, and have very little spare time. When I read H2Pro’s claims that this flat iron heats up in less than 15 seconds, I just had to get my hands on it. For anyone severely time-crunched, that is a HUGE selling point!

When I received this flat iron for review, the first thing I did was time the heat-up myself using my stop watch. By my clock, H2Pro Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron beat expectations, and was ready for use in 10 seconds flat! I was giddy with excitement!

Naturally, speed means nothing if the product doesn’t perform. So here’s my full review. I have long, naturally-wavy hair that frizzes up to a 70s disco-style in humidity and rain (no exaggeration). Using my last flat iron, I needed a full blow-out prior to ironing to get my hair straight and smooth. Using the H2Pro Presto 1 Inch Flat iron, I no longer need to blow my hair dry as straight as possible. I can let it air-dry (and spend my precious time doing much more useful things). Even if my hair starts out as a frizzy, poofy mess, H2Pro’s Presto whips my hair into shape in 5 minutes.

Here are some other “H2Pros”. The Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron can also safely be used on damp hair. Had you tried this with the flat irons of yesteryear, your precious tresses would have ended up totally fried. But do remember, the wetter your hair, the longer the straightening process!

OF course, if you’re familiar with my personal taste, you’ll know I also adore the jazzy red shade of the iron surface.

Retail price is $180. If you’re a frizzy diva ( you know who you are) it’s worth every penny. Check it out at h2probeautylife.com. To buy, call 800-896-7728 or email info@h2proshop.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

The Best Bangs For Your Face Shape: Courtesy Of Antonio Prieto

Every few years, I get the urge to cut bangs into my hair. Each time I cut bangs, only months later I start to grow them out. Recently, my husband talked me off the ledge once again. I love bangs on others… but why don’t they work on me?
If you’re wondering if bangs will work on you, and what type of bangs you should choose, this post is written just for you! Antonio Prieto of the Antonio Prieto Salon in New York has offered up this sage advice to my readers and his clients: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR FACE SHAPE!

best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, oblong shaped face

OBLONG
The goal here is to create width through the side of the face since this face shape is long and narrow – a longer side-swept bang is perfect. But be careful, the length of the bang is the most important factor. Make sure the bangs fall on or near the cheekbone.

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TRIANGLE
Bangs are a great idea for this face shape because of its narrow forehead and fuller jaw line. Bangs would create width through the forehead.

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ROUND
Unfortunately for those with a round face, bangs will not work for this shape. Bangs will only draw more attention to the fullness of this face. The eye will see less face which translates to a shorter, fuller and wider looking face.

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DIAMOND
This shape is basically an angular oval. A short sideswept bang works the best with this face shape to soften the angular areas.

best bangs for your face shape, antonio prieto, heart shaped face

HEART
The chin is narrow and the forehead is already wide in this shape. But as long as the section of hair being cut into bangs is kept narrow and does not extend past the outside of the eye, bangs can beautifully complement someone with a heart-shaped face.

To make an appointment with Anthony, visit AntonioPrietoSalon.com.

HerCut: Haircare For Your Haircut!

It’s something I constantly struggle with: Which hair care products work well together, and which will help me avoid the dreaded “bad hair day”?

HerCut products to the rescue! Unlike most lines that divide by dry/processed hair or oily, HerCut actually recommends products to consumers based on their hair style. Once you choose your style, HerCut recommends a three-step cleansing, conditioning and “catalyst” regimen.

My “long layers” loved the products, that don’t weigh down the hair at all. The catalyst for my particular style promotes movement, calling attention to the very reason one would choose a long-layered cut in the first place.

Price is $22 for each “step” in the regimen. Click HERE to check out the HerCut website.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

SOLD OUT! Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Shu Uemura Art of Hair's most successful launch to date, Essence Absolue, which launched this November has already sold out worldwide at salons. An immediate call to corporate for upped production has been made. Join the wait list by clicking here. Good luck, readers!